Archive for June, 2011

A Successfully Modern Take <br/>on Old-fashioned Fun

A Successfully Modern Take
on Old-fashioned Fun

June 1, 2011 No Comments

For more than 80 years, bumper cars have been a staple attraction at amusement parks and FECs.  At one time, bumper cars were considered an adult ride because of height and weight restrictions, but now, new designs have made bumper cars easy and safe to operate for almost all age groups. A leading company behind ...

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Pilot Program: Inside the Popular Simulators at Wonderworks

Pilot Program: Inside the Popular Simulators at Wonderworks

June 1, 2011 No Comments

At Wonderworks in Orlando, Fla., visitors can take a trip like never before. The popular space exhibition – which attracts tourists from around the world each season – includes not only a replica of the Mercury capsule with a control panel and large astronaut suit, but it also features full-motion MaxFlight simulators that give everyone ...

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Providing the Right Mix of Attractions and Special Party Offers at Family Entertainment Centers

June 1, 2011 No Comments

Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) offer a variety of activities for all ages. The Roller Skating Association International has many members who own and operate FECs. Scott Drummond, Party Center Software, and former FEC owner with 11 years experience, offered a few tips in regard to planning an expansion into the FEC world. “You need to ...

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Safety and Security: How Bowling Centers Get Serious About Ensuring Fun

June 1, 2011 No Comments

From adult-oriented options, such as midnight bowling, to creative parties for kids, bowling center operators continue to devise programs aimed at attracting and pleasing visitors. But while ensuring that customers have fun while visiting their facilities is important, so, too, is keeping guests safe at all times. “It’s paramount, because it can make or break ...

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Could 71 Million People Be Wrong?

June 1, 2011 No Comments

Bowling’s Place in Your Family Entertainment Center Bowling, 71 million participants strong, continues to be America’s number one participation sport.  Positioned as an activity that has broad appeal across all demographic categories, bowling is in an enviable spot compared to many other recreation options. According to Simmons Research, over 9,867,000 children ages 6 to 11 ...

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Funovation Unveils Location in the Philippines

June 1, 2011 No Comments

There is a new Funovation Laser Maze Challenge™ installation in Enchanted Kingdom, Philippines.  All of Funovation’s locations are 100 percent unique, and this one features a creative design.

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Hurricane Simulators Hit Europe with United Kingdom Installation

June 1, 2011 No Comments

With now more than 100 machines in the United States and Canada, Hurricanewimulator.com it taking this popular and profitable revenue-share kiosk worldwide with their first installation in the United Kingdom. Recent installations in the United States include the 43rd Bounce U location, three NASCAR Speed Parks, the Carnegie Science Center, Six Flags, Kemah’s Boardwalk and ...

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Digital Centre Introduces the New Party’n’Go Photo Booth

June 1, 2011 No Comments

Digital Centre, “The Worldwide Photo Manufacturers,” is again breaking the usual photo booth mold with its New Party’n’Go Photo Booth. Designed for easy transportation with a bundle of exclusive features and solutions, this product is ready to ship. Party’n’Go is easy to transport, has a vertical 22-inch touch screen, Automatic Rental Timer™ and Photo Booth Rental ...

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June 2011

June 1, 2011 No Comments

The Large Park Report Higher Gas Prices: The 2011 Season Outlook for Florida Amusement Parks While some local parks do benefit from higher gas prices because vacationers generally end up staying closer to home to save money, even local parks suffer increased operating costs whenever energy prices rise. Business Strategies For Optimists, the Recovering Economy ...

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TAP’s New Online Look

June 1, 2011 No Comments

Tourist Attractions & Parks’ online presence continues to grow, and we hope you will visit the magazine’s redesigned Web site at www.tapmag.com. The site features more informative stories in addition to what is offered in the print version, as well as an archive of our weekly eNewsletter and a new leisure entertainment business management blog ...

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Sponsors

    Wells Fargo

    Commercial insurance for inflatables and event planners.

    West Coast Netting, Inc.

    Experienced netting manufacturer on the leading edge of innovation.

    Chestnut Identity Apparel

    Uniform supply, embroidered apparel and flag manufacturing.

    Namco

    Namco America is a premier manufacturer of coin-op arcade attractions, ranging from the hottest titles like Crazy Typhoon and Jumpin’ Jackpot to classic game-room experiences such as the Pac-Man 25th Anniversary upright that features Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. Specialized pieces such as Wonka Sweetland and Flamin Finger are favorites too! For arcade gaming fun, Namco America is your answer.

    U.S. Bowling

    Award-winning independent company brings bowling to your venue.

    Tokens Direct

    A wide variety of tokens.

    Hoffman Mint

    Tokens, medals, coins and key tags.

    Klopp International, Inc. (Playmeter)

    Quality coin counters and sorters.

    Kay Park Recreations Corp.

    Picnic tables, grills, park benches, planters, trash containers and more.

    Adventure Golf

    Miniature golf courses, consultants, architecture and design.

    Muncie Novelty Co., Inc.

    Admissions, financial equipment, printing and tickets.

    Nieco Corp

    Nieco automatic broilers.

    Formula K Raceways

    Go-karts, kiddie cars and bumper boats, go-kart parts and tires.

    Perfect Fry

    Innovative and simple-to-operate countertop deep fryer Perfect Fryers.

    Sippers By Design

    Design and manufacture of specialty custom-shaped drink containers.

    Quik N' Crispy (QNC)

    Quik n’ Crispy greaseless fryer.

    Northeast Insurance (NIC)

    Insurance programs.

    Knight Equipment

    Drive cables for ferris wheels, Tilt-A-Whirls, Rock-O-Planes and many others.

    Bulbtronics

    A premier source for lamps, LEDs, batteries and lighting-related and electrical products.

    Davis & Davis, Inc.

    Planning consultants for wet/dry attractions, mini-golf, go-kart tracks and laser arenas.

    Tube Pro

    Waterpark tubes.

    Friedman Group Ins.

    Insurance for amusement devices.

    Art Attack

    Theming, miniature golf, parade floats, 3D props, air-brushed murals, signage and art panels.

    Adventure Glass

    Unique paddleboats.

    GloCones

    Flashing cotton candy cones.

    Harris Miniature Golf Course

    Design and construction of miniature golf courses and water rides.

    Martin Professionals

    A lighting supplier of choice for the entertainment industry.

    Zebec Water Sports

    Large variety of waterpark needs

    Ride Development Corp.

    Electric floor, gas and battery-powered bumper cars.

    Fast Corp Vending

    Frozen food vending machines

    Sacoa

    Designed and manufactures PlayCard, the rechargeable debit card system.

    Gerber Manufacturing, Ltd.

    Outdoor furniture, benches, picnic tables and grills.

    Embed

    Provides innovative IT products and services with a primary focus on card-based solutions and database applications for the leisure and retail industries.

    Thomco Insurance (Fun Pro)

    Fun Pro is an insurance program especially designed for party planners and party rental businesses.

    Weldon, Williams & Lick

    Admission systems and wristband ticketing.

    Gould Manufacturing, Ltd.

    Concession trailers and Antique, Jeep and Grand Prix auto rides.

    Store on Wheels

    Importer and distributor of quality toys, lighting and novelties. Cater to the amusement, retail and entertainment industries.

    Playsmart

    Patented soft play design, soft playgrounds.

    Xtreme Inflatables

    Repair and service for all inflatable products.

    See Coast Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    Coin-operated binoculars and telescopes.

    Omega Carpets

    Printed carpeting for all your facility needs.

    Deltronic Labs Inc.

    Ticket dispensers.

    SnowMasters

    Evaporative snow systems.

    Brunswick Bowling

    Entertainment bowling center developer and manufacturer of bowling equipment and entertainment products.

    Poly Products

    Tables, benches and related products. Green products for a green world.

    California Portable Dance Floor Company

    Qubica

    Sells capital equipment to bowling centers.

    Gold Medal Products Co.

    Concession equipment, foods and beverages, popcorn, pretzels and snack foods.

    Birthday University

    Concept development, training and birthday party touring seminars.

    International Special Events (ISERA)

    Risk purchasing group, a better way to purchase liability insurance, specializing in inflatables and much more.

    Action Lighting Co.

    Lighting supplies.

    Penny Press

    Penny souvenir machine, great for parks, FECs, bowling and skating centers, museums and tourist attractions.

    Laser Star

    Laser shooting galleries, laser tag, dark ride target systems, overhead target ranges.

    Lil Orbits Inc.

    Food equipment, donut machines and vendor carts.

    Hamilton Manufacturing Corp.

    Manufacturer of unattended entry systems and change machines.

    Safari Ltd.

    Leading manufacturer of innovative educational toys.

    R&R Creative Amusement Design

    Designers of unique themed parks, attractions and environments for the entertainment business.

    Belson Manufacturing Co.

    Park and recreation outdoor furniture and equipment.

    Spectrum Sports

    Climbing walls, ropes courses, go-karts and more.

    Tarobots

    Boxerjocks robotic boxing amusement ride game attraction.

    A'maze Ventures, Inc.

    Mazes for every location, new and used.

    Soft Play

    Leader in designing, manufacturing and installing soft contained playground equipment.

    Cost of Wisconson

    Creators of simulated environments, duplicate structures, sculpted figures, exhibits, water features, mini-golf and more.

    Wapello Fabrications

    Inflatables and portable amusements.

    Coast to Coast

    Coin-operated entertainment, crane machines.

    Tear Repair

    Tear-Aid industrial strength patches to repair holes and tears.

    Lazer Runner

    Laser Tag Systems

    Berk Paper & Supply

    Concession supplies.

    Lakeshore Merchandise (Smart Vending)

    Premier vending supply for all of your vending equipment and supply needs.

    Empex Water Toys

    Aquatons Water Toys

    Water Wars (T&D Enterprises of Brainerd)

    Water Wars water balloon game, portable or startionary.

    Beckman Insurance Agency

    Amusement attractions insurance.

    Look Solutions

    Fog machines.

    Amusement Entertainment Management (AEM)

    Premier entertainment consultants.

    Price Chopper, Inc. Wristbands

    Admission, financial equipment and wristbands.

    Extreme Engineering

    Industry leader in zip lines, climbing walls, jumper systems and adventure products.

    Castle Golf, Inc.

    Planning, design and construction of miniature golf courses and family fun parks.

    Midway Concepts (Circus Tops)

    Premier designers of stainless steel food service equipment.

    S&S Worldwide

    Large Park amusement rides.

    Rides-4-U, INC.

    New and used rides, kiddie, family, major and thrill.

    CFX Composite & Effects

    Special effects make-up and prosthetics

    Comstock - Castle Stove

    Commercial cooking equipment.

    Rio Syrup

    Over 250 flavors, syrups and concentrates for shaved ice, sno cones, shushes, food colors. Now featuring Hawaiian Flower Cups.

    Family Fun Corp.

    Waterpark walls for rivers, bumper boat and splash down pools.

    Funovation

    Laser maze challenge

    Subway

    Fresh food and sandwich options.

    Aquaventronics

    Research and development of interactive water games for use in the commercial amusement industry.

    Flagship Carpet

    Custom carpets and rugs.

    Mahoning Valley Mfg.

    A complete line of Imperial strollers, wagons and safari utility vehicles.

    National Rock & Sculpture

    Dedicated to the conceptual design and development of themed environments.

    Challenger Industries

    Sports surfaces, carpets and mini-golf surfaces.

    Money Tree - ATM

    ATM machines.

    Wisdom Industries, Ltd.

    Amusement ride manufacturer, new and used rides.

    Barron Games

    Redemption air hockey games.

    European Body Arts

    Airbrushed temporary tattoo products and systems.

    Splashtacular

    Manufacturer of waterslides

    Max Flight

    Manufactures interactive virtual reality motion-platform game systems including networkable flight and roller coaster simulators.

    Enchanted Castle Studios

    Fiberglass statuary and figures for restaurants, mini-golf, theme parks and other attractions.

    Broaster Co., The

    Food programs and food service equipment.

    Jane Farrell Turf and Carpets, Inc.

    Commercial carpet, printed and decorative patterns, loop and cut-pile construction. Wall coverings in fluorescents, Class A fire rated. Colored turf, both traditional and neon colors.

    Richie's Italian Ice

    Italian Ice Kiosks and Carts

    American Changer

    Bill and coin dispensers and counters, ticket machines and more.

    Master Pitching Machine

    Batting cages and pitching machines.

    Center Edge Software

    Facility Management Software Solutions

    Precision Dynamics (PDC)

    Wristbands with no hidden costs, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Wristband System.

    Sureshot Redemption

    One-stop source for prize redemption counters at entertainment centers.

    Stoelting
    OpenAire
    Spectrum Sports
    Cannonball Blaster
    CCI
    Funovation
    Empex Water Toys
    FunProInsurance